BOARD VOICES – Missed a Story? Catch Up Anytime
Our Board Voices series continues to grow, and every story is worth a read. If you’re new here or would like to revisit a favourite, explore our previous features below and learn more about the people who help guide our community.
DAVID BAXANDALL’S STORY
I’ve lived in West Edmonton for nearly 40 years, yet for the longest time, the West Edmonton Seniors Activity Centre was the city’s best-kept secret to me. That changed when a neighbor invited me to tag along to an open house. After chatting with some members, I decided to give
pickleball a shot. I’ll admit, my game was a bit “off” at the start, but I stuck with it, joined the later sessions, and have been part of the community ever since.
Joining the Board wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. However, Jay is a very persuasive salesman! He convinced me that the commitment would only be about six hours a month. But as soon as the nomination papers were signed, the “sales pitch” evolved: “How would you like to be the Treasurer?” As a career software developer, I spent decades avoiding meetings and happily staying in the background.
Stepping into this role has been a steep learning curve and, at times, a bit of a struggle. And let’s just say Jay’s “six-hour” estimate was a little optimistic—I’m easily clocking over ten! That said, it has been incredibly rewarding to give back to a place that brings so much to our community.
David Baxandall, Treasurer
TREPIDATION – Jay Pritchard, President
As a relatively new WSAC member , I decided that I would like to play Pickleball. After checking the schedule I showed up a few minutes early for the session. I wanted to find out what Pickleball was all about.
When I walked into the gym I saw a stranger (I assumed he was the instructor) busily setting up nets in preparation for the soon to begin activity. I offered to help him and he said, “of course!” As we were working together I indicated that I had never played Pickle Ball before and he said, “don’t worry, I will show you how to do it and you will be good at it right away!” Wow, what a nice guy, I thought to myself.
Sure enough, over the next hour or so, he found ways to help me with coaching tips, suggestions and mostly just plain old encouragement. He played as my partner a couple of times, introduced me to other players and I had a great time. Mastery of this new game came later. However, what was important on this first day was that I was made to feel welcome, I was taught enough to enable me to participate without feeling inept, I got a good workout and I went home feeling that I couldn’t wait to come back for the next session.
So, as it turned out, the fellow who introduced me to this fantastic game was not an instructor, he was (and still is) a WE Seniors member. At least half of the fun in playing Pickleball is interacting with the other players and I learned that on my very first day. Thanks Kent , you’re the best!
Jay Pritchard, President
LOIS THURSTON’S STORY
As a Board member, it has provided me with the opportunity to give back to my community, maintain and learn new skills, develop friendships and mentorships from other board members.
When my husband and I were planning to retire, we initially thought only about finances but quickly learned that we needed to consider lifestyle and maintaining our health. After retirement, we went on a long vacation and took pickleball lessons. Now what? A friend told me about WE Seniors and that we should join to play pickleball as there will be others of similar age and abilities. Joining WE Seniors was the beginning of something great! Besides playing pickleball, we’ve developed non-work friendships and our social calendar has been enriched.
How did I decide to join the Board? Shirley Devlin (RIP) asked if I would consider a nomination to the Board of Directors, I went home, thought about it and then accepted. I considered the time commitment, what I had to offer and how I would benefit from the experience. I was already beginning to think that I needed an activity separate from my spouse as 24/7 retirement togetherness was becoming too much. It has been a great decision! I am also so proud that there are individuals a fair bit older than me participating at the center and some are Board members! Apparently, age 80 is the new 60! I know that being a member of WE Seniors and its Board has me on track for healthy aging!
Lois Thurstan, Vice President (2025)
BARBARA THOMPSON’S STORY
I decided to try WE Senior in 2019 when my good friend Dianne Walker had mentioned that she was playing bridge there and enjoyed it a lot! I always wanted to learn Spanish as it is such a romantic language and my husband and I had travelled there many times!
I loved the class and the teacher! It was a wonderful experience and I realized that I wished my Mother had been aware of the centre in her later life! It would have made such a difference, as it has for me.
I joined the Board as I do have experience in Board participation and have always believed in fundraising. I know it sounds weird, but I enjoy asking people for money or goods! Sometimes I am even successful! Giving back to the community is an important part of my life and I have many wonderful people and colleagues along the way!
Loneliness is an enemy of all seniors and the mission at WE Seniors is make loneliness non-existent!
WE Seniors provides everything to ALL seniors!
Chair, Fundraising Committee
WE Seniors Board of Directors
Dolores’s Story
My name is Dolores and I am a board member.
I joined WE Seniors in 2009 shortly after I retired from my nursing career. I missed the daily contact with others, so I came to the centre to play cribbage and meet new people.
Lovely people, those crib players, good sports, and lots of fun.
Then I became intrigued by the tapping and laughter emanating from the gym. My first contact with Pickleball! I didn’t resist the call to play for very long, but would you believe that back then we had a very hard time enlisting enough people to keep the courts full! Some days one or two of us set up the nets and waited for players, then would take the nets down again, unused! Times have changed.
Throughout my 16 year membership, I have taken many classes: exercise, yoga, writing,
drawing, painting, choir and self-help. I have met many wonderful people, both staff and
volunteers. Other class participants became more than nodding acquaintances as we worked our way through the sessions.
About six years ago, I decided to join the board giving back, however I could, to this wonderful organization.
I had no background in administration, planning, or running a business, but I could listen and
was a good worker bee. As I now enter the last year of my last term on the board I am amazed at what I have learned. There is nothing done by the board that is not discussed, reviewed, and voted on. The committees all have specific functions and all report to the board. Each board member is expected to review information shared before the board meetings and be prepared to take part in discussions. I have much more appreciation of the work that is involved in keeping WE Seniors a leader in the thriving complex world of seniors in Alberta, and I’m very proud of the work we do.